Bristol Rovers were beaten at home by promotion chasing Bolton Wanderers at the Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Former player Aaron Collins scored the opener on his return to BS7 and substitute Aaron Morley fired home from the penalty spot deep into injury-time, which gave the Trotters all three points.
The first half an hour of the encounter saw a period of very few chances. Until Paris Maghoma skied his curled effort way over the bar on minute 30 for the visitors, before Luke Thomas forced Nathan Baxter into action moments later after smart build up play from the Gas.
Nathan Ogbeta almost caught Jed Ward off-guard before the interval, when the wing-back curled a disguised free-kick towards the young goalkeeper’s near post, but his effort sailed narrowly over the bar.
Antony Evans then forced a smart stop by Baxter on the stroke of half-time, as the Gas began to pile the pressure on.
Rovers started the second-half in the same fashion as they ended the first as Thomas crossed a teasing ball into the penalty area, which saw Chris Martin meet with his head. However, the Bolton keeper was just about able to keep the ball out of the back of the net.
Thomas then had an effort himself, but Baxter stood strong once more as Taylor’s side continued to pile the pressure on. Martin and Evans then both had half chances themselves as the Mem’s atmosphere continued to grow despite the strong wind.
However, despite Rovers’ continued pressure, Ian Evatt’s side took the lead as George Thomason put Collins in on goal, as the Welshman delicately flicked his effort over Ward to make it 1-0.
The visitor’s goal took the sting out of Rover’s thorn as chances started to dry up and Bolton started to control proceedings in what was a windy occasion.
Taylor made a triple substitution in an attempt to get back into the game, where Grant Ward’s shot from distance saw his his effort whistle past the post.
Evatt’s side were awarded a penalty in added time when Connor Taylor brought down Cameron Jerome. Which Morely calmly slotted home, sending Jed Ward the other way.
The defeat for the Gas leaves them winless and goalless in a club record six matches. Meanwhile Bolton continue their hunt for promotion into the Championship.
Player ratings below...
1. GK: Jed Ward - 7
Had a relatively quiet first-half, with no real saves of note. Was relatively commanding throughout, but was unable to keep Collins' effort out.
2. CB: James Wilson - 7
Had a solid display in the Gas backline. Was vocal and organised for Rovers. Photo: Tom Dulat
3. CB: Connor Taylor - 7
Had a very physical battle up against Jon Bodvarsson and the former Stoke City man held his own and limited the Icelandic international to very few opportunities. Conceded a penalty at the death of it, which in all honesty looked soft.
4. CB: James Connolly (subbed off 73') - 8
Had a brilliant battle up against his former teammate Aaron Collins and the young defender more than held his own. Looked composed and fierce in the backline.